On our site we have already seen that many people prefer hedgehogs as pets. Like any pet, the hedgehog needs a series of basic care so that it can develop and live happily.
One of those needs is hygiene. If you have just adopted a hedgehog or you are not sure when and how to wash your new pet, don't worry, in our new article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about how to bathe a hedgehog.
Don't forget to comment and share your photos at the end of the article!
Initial care of the hedgehog as a pet before the first bath
The first thing you should know is that hedgehogs need to get used to human contact. When a hedgehog gets scared or doesn't feel comfortable, it curls up into a ball of spikes. This means that you will need to interact with him while wearing gloves at first.
Be patient as this adaptation will take place little by little, which is completely normal. Think that a very radical change has just taken place in the life of your pet. Therefore, you should let the hedgehog sniff you, so over time it can recognize you. Have your pet with you, even on your lap, so he can get used to you.
This process may take a month. Don't worry about his hygiene at this time. Hedgehogs are very clean animals, so as long as you keep their cage in optimal condition, you won't have any problems in that regard.
Care when shedding hedgehog quills
The shedding of the hedgehog's quills could be compared to the changing of a child's teeth. The "milk or baby" quills fall off to make room for the new quills.
The change usually occurs between 8 and 12 weeks of age. At this time it is normal for you to see the hedgehog more surly or reluctant to be picked up. This is because the exit of the quills hurts and they have to go through your skin.
Watch out for mites
Also, it is important that you look for tiny white balls on the tines. This may not be dirt, but mites. If this is your case, I recommend that you read our article on why your hedgehog scratches a lot.
How to bathe a hedgehog
As I mentioned before, hedgehogs are very clean. For this reason, you can bathe your hedgehog every 2 or 3 months. To bathe him you only need:
- A neutral pH shampoo
- A dryer
- A towel
- A toothbrush
You can also use dog shampoos, but it is always recommended that you ask your vet first.
Steps to follow
- It is very important that the water is lukewarm and not hot. You must be careful not to overfill the container where you bathe your hedgehog. At most it can only be a centimeter or two deep, otherwise you could drown.
- Put the shampoo in your hands and gently rub your hedgehog. Pay special attention to their legs as they are the parts that get dirty the most.
- At this point, brush your hedgehog's toothbrush through all of its quills.
- Then, rinse it carefully so as not to leave your head under the water stream.
- The most important thing when bathing a hedgehog is to dry it. Start with the towel to remove as much water as you can.
Tip: use oatmeal powder to soothe and soften her skin.
To remove the remaining moisture, use the dryer (always from a distance and with a very mild temperature). Be careful, to be able to use a dryer with your pet you must get used to it from a young age and very little by little. You can find special dryers for pets without noise on the market.
Warning: be careful not to put your hedgehog in its cage while it is still wet.
Nail care on a hedgehog
You should only cut your hedgehog's nails if they are too long. The importance of this step is that your pet could pull out her nails while she plays with the wheel.
- Use manicure scissors or a small nail clipper.
- You should only cut the tip of the nails as if you cut too much you could make them bleed.
Other hedgehog care
If you have chosen a hedgehog as a pet you must worry about other aspects of its life such as:
- Types of hedgehogs
- Basic hedgehog care
- The hedgehog feed
